Clamping element for tool holders

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns a clamping element of a coupling device for releasably but fixedly fitting components in the axis and in rotation, in particular tool components for dry machining (MMS technology) and for wet machining, said element providing a friction-type connection between the components to be coupled. The cooling tube ( 2 ) arranged at the center of the coupling device modifies the geometry of the clamping elements. The spindle is provided with an elongated hole run through by the liquid cooling tube ( 2 ), the radial offset of the clamping segments ( 5 ) being thus compensated. The modified design of the clamping segments ( 5 ) between the base body ( 7 ) and the clamping segment enables the distribution of forces for the support of the clamping segments ( 5 ) to be increased. The novel geometry of the clamping segments ( 5 ) results in novel contours ( 6 ) in the base body with smoother transistions, hence a better force distribution, thereby reducing material breakage and a more reliable and robust clamping. By virtue of their novel geometry, the clamping segments ( 5 ) have an increased surface enabling larger clamping screws ( 8 ) to be placed, a clamping screw ( 8 ) enabling the novel clamping element, the spindle ( 3 ) and the clamping segment ( 5 ) to be radially offset. Mounted between the clamping screw ( 8 ) and the clamping segment ( 5 ), the spindle ( 3 ) has an engaged screw pitch length ( 10 ) greater at the clamping screw ( 8 ) thread end when the coupling device is clamped thus increasing clamping safety.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/DE2005/000230 having an international filing date of Feb. 10, 2005, published in German on Aug. 25, 2005 under PCT Article 21(2), the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention concerns a clamping element of a coupling device for releasably and fixedly fitting components in rotation and in the axis, in particular tool components, to corresponding supporting parts, e.g. on a tool base receiving element.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The clamping system relates to high speeds and the releasable connection between two components, as disclosed in patent specification DE 42 11 034. A highly efficient coupling for the area of the interface between the machine tool and tool module is described in EP 0291 048 B1 and EP 0409972 B1, as well as in EP 01035934 B1 and EP 1175272 B1, and what is important is that the components to be connected are reliably and fixedly clamped together.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to coupling devices between a work or work support part, e.g. a tool system module, for example in the form of a tool base receiving element and associated handling device, e.g. a machine tool, for example one designed as a drilling, turning or milling machine. Here the coupling device is used both for stationary and for moving, e.g. turning work or work support parts, e.g. tool system modules. The clamping system is used for the releasable connection of two preferably rotation symmetrical components, some of which have a preferably cylindrical or conical hollow shaft, and others having a corresponding receiving section for receiving the hollow shaft so that there is an exact fit. The clamping system comprises a clamping device arranged concentrically in the receiving section, which device, when both components are joined together, extends into the hollow shaft of one of the components, and has at least two clamping bodies that can be moved in opposite directions and an actuating device driving the clamping bodies, by means of which device the clamping bodies can be moved synchronously in and out of engagement with an undercut clamping shoulder of the hollow shaft, whereby a contact force is generated between flat surfaces of the components to be connected. According to the invention the clamping elements are have a radial sliding movement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, read in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a sectional view taken through a center line as shown in FIG. 2 of a clamping system made in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the clamping system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the clamping system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the clamping system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken through a center line as shown in FIG. 6 of the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is bottom view of the clamping system shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the clamping system shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a left side view of the clamping system shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention a clamping element 1 is provided for dry machining, e.g. (MMS technology), as well as for wet machining, which element provides optimum friction type connection between the components to be coupled. Cooling tube 2 arranged centrically in the coupling modifies the geometries of the clamping elements. In spindle 3 there is an elongated hole through which a coolant tube is guided. Elongated hole 4 in the spindle has a radial clearance which compensates for the radial deflection of clamping segments 5. Because of the variable design 6 of the clamping elements between base body 7 and clamping segment 5, the distribution of forces for supporting the clamping segments is greater. The novel geometrical design of the clamping elements results in novel contours with smoother transitions, and hence better force distribution, thereby reducing material breakage by a multiple factor and guaranteeing reliable or increased clamping.

Because of their variable design the clamping segments have a larger surface enabling larger clamping screws 8 to be fitted. The clamping element is radially offset (9) by the clamping screw.

The spindle, which is located between the clamping screw and the clamping segment, has more engaged thread turns 10 on the threaded end of the clamping screw when the coupling is clamped, thus increasing clamping safety. 

1. A clamping system for the releasable connection between the claping system and second component, said clamping system comprising: a hollow shaft, said hollow shaft comprising at least one recess; a coolant tubes; and a clamping element, said clamping element comprising a spindle, at least a first segment and a clamping screw, said hollow shaft having a first end for being received concentrically in a corresponding receiving section of the second component, said clamping element extending into said hollow shaft, a portion of said first segment being in contact with a portion of said recess, said recess comprising at least one region which is at least one of rounded and chamfered.
 2. The clamping system according to claim 1, wherein said first segment is rounded on a side facing a direction from which the tool is brought into engagement with said clamping system.
 3. The clamping system according to claim 1, wherein the clamping screw can be provided with larger dimensions because of a rounded design of said clamping element.
 4. The clamping system according to claim 1, wherein the clamping screw head can be provided with larger dimensions because of a rounded design of said first segment.
 5. The clamping system according to claim 1, wherein the clamping screw, the spindle and the first segment are radially offset.
 6. The clamping system according to claim 1, wherein transitions of a contour of the contact surface of said hollow shaft on a side facing a direction from which said tool is brought into engagement with said clamping system is rounded in relation to the contour of the recess running axially parallel.
 7. The clamping system according to claim 1, wherein transitions of contour of the first segment on a side facing a direction from which said tool is brought into engagement with said clamping system is rounded relative to a transition of the contour running axially parallel.
 8. The clamping system according to claim 1, wherein transitions of a contour of the first segment on a side facing a direction from which said tool is brought into engagement with said clamping system is chamfered at an angle of 30° to 80° to an x-axis relative to a transition of the contour running axially parallel.
 9. The clamping system according to claim 1, wherein transitions of a contour of the contact surface of said hollow shaft on a side facing a direction from which said tool is brought into engagement with said clamping system, are chamfered at an angle of 30° to 80° to an x-axis relative to a contour of the recess running axially parallel.
 10. The clamping system according to claim 1, wherein the contact surface of said hollow shaft on a side facing a direction from which said tool is brought into engagement with said clamping system is rounded and chamfered at an angle of 30° to 80° to an x-axis.
 11. The clamping system according to claim 1, wherein a contour of said first segment on a side facing a direction from which said tool is brought into engagement with said clamping system is rounded and chamfered at an angle of 30° to 80° to an x-axis.
 12. The clamping system according to claim 1, wherein said clamping system and said second component are rotationally symmetrical.
 13. The clamping system according to claim 1, wherein said hollow shaft is cylindrical or conical. 